Cards and Banks, and money...

Thursday, 28th April - in Edinburgh - (an aside)

We've really had no trouble using our cards, except that some machines and/or checkouts don't like the Travelex Cash Passport, and I have been signing in those cases. The actual cash is easy to use, but the coins mount up very quickly. (I can now appreciate Australia having gotten rid of our small coins!) Tip: when the coins build up, and you have a purse full, use the 1 and 2 Pound coins for small stuff like coffee and papers, and parking machines, and laundromats, otherwise you'll need a bigger purse! Then, dump the small pence in donation jars, or tips glasses.

We were advised by my cousin Ann to try and use ATM's inside banks, and we have mainly done that, or at least used ones in very busy places with lots of people around. We've also taken out as much cash as we can each time, which saves on having to use ATM's more than you need to, and then we then share out the cash between us, so neither of us is carrying it all. This has worked out well so far.

Met a couple from Australia, who were staying at the apartments at Northcliff as well, and we were on the local station, preparing to go into Edinburgh. We explained that the ticket machine was card only, and he wouldn't use it, and said that every time he used his card overseas, his bank (ANZ), was charging him $10.00!  Lee and I withdrew GBP 500Pounds ($770), and St.G charged us $3.20 (ish) for the Foreign Conversion fee. I'd be changing banks pretty quick if I was that man!

The other good thing is that the exchange rate has been steady, if not getting better, since we've been here, so all is good. And, we are managing really well within our budget, and not skimping either.

The only problem is that there are soooo many beautiful things you want to buy, and you can't bring them back, either because they are restricted, or you would need an extra bag for them.
We are investigating the pros and cons of either paying excess baggage, or sending stuff back and paying the postage/freight.

Money stuff and mail, etc...

Another piece of the puzzle in place!
Today we went and got one of those Travelex cash passport money cards, that you put your own money into, in the denomination of the country you're travelling to.
Just a bit of extra security and extra purchasing options in the U.K.
Then we decided to have our mail held for the duration of our holiday. It doesn't always work asking other people to remember to clear the mailbox, (and we have to get a sticker about NO JUNK MAIL), and so (hopefully), our mail will be held at a local Oz Post depot and we can get it when we get back. Probably only magazines and the like, as we have also arranged to do the usual bills on-line and by direct debit.
So, all is just about ready, and only 6 weeks to go. 
Only the end of the world will stop us now!!!